Date: Thu, 3 Oct 2013 10:39:08 -0700 (PDT)
From: Valerie Broadway
Subject: What’s with the addresses on the Chatlist?
Last week I asked Gene to remove the addresses of the Dogs Off Chains volunteers from the Bulletin Board. They were posted as part of a personal attack by a very vocal, but seemingly anonymous Chatlist participant.
Earlier this week I sent another request. It was not posted, and I was told my message was sent it to a lawyer for review. I was also sent the chatlist guidlines link.
https://chathamchatlist.com/highlights/chatham-chatlist-guidelines/
I read the guidelines and it seems to me there are a few Chatlist regulars who are not following them.
It appears the lawyer must have been okay with the address postings. Because I see on today’s (10/3) Chatlist, there they are again!
Gene, please include my posting, too. It is included below…
I have No issue with people sharing their differing opinions on anything, in this or any venue. Healthy discussion is how great decisions are made! Studies have shown that a group of people will come up with better solutions to a problem than just one individual.
However, with a small number of Chatlist participants, it has go far beyond sharing their opinions. These anonymous entities behave more like virtual terrorists, hiding behind their computer screens firing off shots at anyone “they” deem to be the enemy.
In the past, I’ve heard you say something about free speech, butin my opinion, this behavior is more along the lines of harassment. I wonder how may people would like to share their thoughts on a Chatlist topic, but do not, because they fear being viciously attacked?
Things crossed the line with the posting of several women’s personal home addresses. I can only imagine this was done with the hope of provoking some enraged person to show up at their houses. Or, perhaps the goal was an attempt to torment the ladies. Should harm actually come to anyone as a result of the Chatlist posting addresses, I can’t imagine that the poster and Gene wouldn’t be held in some way partially responsible.
I wonder if the anonymous poster remains anonymous because they could not pass the same scrutiny they put others through?
Gene, I appreciate all of the time and effort you put in the Chatlist each day. It provides a wonderful service to the citizens, non-profits, and small businesses of Chatham County, including mine. But on this issue I just don’t get it? There is nothing wrong in correcting an error and moving on. Please remove the addresses!
A bully is a bully, whether it is a kid in school or an adult on the Chatlist. I think bullies should not be tolerated in either place. There should be an expectation that certain nasty behaviors and dangerous actions would
cause a message to not be posted.
The Chatlist is probably one of the only places where the people who choose to act-out have a platform. They would never get away with such antics any place where people have civilized discussions. Their lack of self-control would result in their removal from any organized meetings. The kind of meetings where final decisions are made on important issues.
Gene, I will not post again asking you to remove the addresses because I don’t want to continue to bring attention to it. I am just surprised and disappointed you have not responded to my pleas.
For those individuals who strike out so viciously to others on the Chatlist (while they hide their own identity behind a screen name), from this point on, I plan to dismiss your posts as nothing more then the rantings of a coward with a keyboard.
Valerie Broadway
Canine Coaching Services LLC
919-542-4726
www..caninecoachingservices.com
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Valerie –
First, people are responsible for their own actions. I am surprised and disappointed in your misguided attempt to blame me for the possible future actions of others.
Second, I did refer your posts to my attorney.
I do need specific links in order to consider your request. I am one person doing this and cannot spend time viewing every post in order to find your complaint.
Chatham County Commission meeting minutes are required by law and their information and access is open to the public
http://chathamnc.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=242630&GUID=BFF39DE5-EF7E-48BC-AD6D-A184301A5390
Gene
Chatlist moderator
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